Government Launches Free Sanitary Pad Initiative to Tackle Period Poverty

The Government of Ghana has officially launched the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative, a groundbreaking intervention aimed at providing free sanitary pads to two million girls in public basic and secondary schools nationwide. The launch took place on Thursday, 24th April 2025, at the SDA Cluster of Schools Park in Mamprobi, Accra.

The initiative, spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama, is designed to eliminate period poverty and reduce absenteeism among schoolgirls, many of whom miss classes due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. The programme is expected to distribute pads every month, ensuring that no girl is left behind because of her period.

Delivering his address, the President underscored the government’s long-term commitment to menstrual health, stating that “no girl in Ghana should miss school because of her menstrual period.” The launch also featured remarks from the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, and the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, who both stressed the importance of access to menstrual products as a right, not a privilege.

The event brought together stakeholders from across government, education, health and civil society. It was chaired by His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, and attended by school heads, traditional leaders, NGO representatives and members of the general public.

 groundbreaking project tackled period poverty head-on by providing 300 girls with a reliable, year-round supply of Reflo’s sanitary pads, ensuring they could remain in school and focus on their education.

Building on an earlier six-month distribution, this second visit delivered another six months of essential sanitary products, further solidifying the project’s impact. The initiative went beyond material support by dispelling menstrual stigma and providing critical health education. A celebratory event brought together community leaders, educators, parents and beneficiaries, who all joined in recognising the program’s successes.

Among the invited guests was Ms. Rebecca Osam, an advocate for menstrual health and the Managing Director of Reflo Company Ltd. Her presence at the launch reflected her ongoing commitment to ending period poverty and promoting access to menstrual care for every girl. She has consistently worked to improve menstrual health awareness and access and continues to support initiatives that prioritise the dignity, education and empowerment of young women across Ghana.